ARNOLD Van Opstal leads five De La Salle players who will be part of the draft pool in the PBA D-League this season.

Van Opstal, seen as one of the top prospects in the PBA, is part of the talent-rich pool of 155 players who applied for the D-League Draft that will be held on Monday at the PBA Office in Libis, Quezon City.

Joining Van Opstal in the draft are Green Archers teammates Yutien Andrada and Almond Vosotros, and DLSU reserves Luigi Dela Paz and Jarelan Tampus - all seeking spots in team rosters for the Aspirants Cup kicking off on October 27.

De La Salle coach Juno Sauler said the school is not standing in the way of their players' bid to play in the D-League, including those who are still eligible for the UAAP for a few more years.

University of the East actually has the most number of players in the D-League draft pool with six, namely star guard Roi Sumang, Chris Javier, Dan Alberto, Gino Jumao-as, Mark Olayon, and Ivan Hernandez.

Like rival La Salle, Ateneo is another school that rarely has players in the D-League. This time, the Blue Eagles have three in the pool in Chris Newsome, Von Pessumal, and Nico Elorde.

JR Gallarza and Kyles Lao of University of the Philippines also filed their application as well as Dawn Ochea and Axel Inigo of Adamson and Axel’s brother Achie of Far Eastern University.

In the NCAA, San Beda players Lance Abude, Jeramer Cabanag, John Marc Ludovice, Javee Mocon, Ranbill Tongco, and Jon Villaruz put their names in the draft. Letran’s Rey Nambatac, Fidel Castro, and Bong Quinto, and San Sebastian’s Jon Ortouste and Bobby Balucanag are also included.